The lines of evidence relating to the psychology of criminal behaviors research correspond closely to the paternal and family risk factors that a criminal has experienced during their development stages in life from childhood to adulthood. The most supporting evidence of the risk factors could be found in single parent household, parental styles, parental monitoring, and the influence of the siblings. There are many other reasons as to why a person becomes a criminal, however is hard to determine the real reason that sparingly transpire and individual to commit crimes. There are more studies needed to be conducted to determine the mental status of a criminal. Is rationale to assume that parental and family risk factors played a vital part in the life of a criminal, because they are a product of their surroundings.
Abstract This paper will explore and discuss the difference in opinion regarding crime and who should be held accountable for criminal activity. The views of social responsibility and social problems will be examined, along with the perspectives that each holds to justify their belief. Theories such as Determinate Sentencing that holds the value of social responsibility in response to crime, and also the Constructionist theory that places that blame on society as to why a person commits a crime. In the end I believe that Social/Individual responsibility is the most appropriate way to approach crime. Perspectives of Social Problems and Social Responsibility Within criminology there has been multiple theories suggested to explain the numerous motives behind why crime exists in our world.
Criminological Theories of Deviance Kristie Barela American Intercontinental University Criminological Theories of Deviance What are criminological theories? It is understood that criminology is the study of crime, but criminological theories provide us with an explanation of criminal behavior. These theories help one to understand why people commit crime. Social control theory, strain theory, differential association theory, and neutralization theory are just a few examples of sociological theories of crime that will be examined within this paper. Along with a brief description of the criminological theories, an attempt to show how they differ from one another and discussion of one strength and one weakness unique to each theory will be made.
While studying the causes of crime one will come across countless theories as to why people decide to commit crimes; a common criminology theory is Labeling Theory. One must first grasp the concept of what Labeling Theory really is. Through this it will become apparent that there are different levels of deviance, and in order for one to fully comprehend Labeling Theory it is imperative they understand what roles different levels of deviant behavior plays in the development of future deviant behavior. Labeling Theory – also referred to as Social Reaction Theory – is essentially the notion that people take part in criminal activity when they are labeled in a negative way. Such labels carry a stigma with them, often resulting in these individuals to accept the “label” as their personal identity and never moving away from that criminal lifestyle.
Although today they are more organized, they are still very violent and will do in some cases whatever it takes to maintain their freedom and get the job done (Lyman, M. D., & Potter, G. W., 2007). My perception of organized criminals in comparison are similar for the simple fact that most groups these days do however choose to form rival mobs, or gangs if you will just to conduct their criminal activities under the radar. They use the creation of a business or gathering of an organization which is thought to perform legal operations while secretly conducting illegal operations. Some of these illegal operations may involve the transactions of drugs, money, or even
In nearly every case of gang allegiance, the individual seeks gang membership because he is unable to find these rewards elsewhere. Additionally, there are a variety of cultural factors contributing to gang membership, both within individual communities and society in general. The failure of the police force and judicial system to adequately deter drug trafficking is a primary reason that gangs exist. Poverty, unemployment, fatherless households, and the insidious breakdown of the family structure are all contributing factors to the proliferation of gangs. It is argued in this paper that gang membership is a logical response by young individuals to socio-economic factors beyond their control.
Final Writing Assignment The relationship between Social Bond Theory, General Strain Theory, and Criminal Behavior By: Criminology M, W, F 1:00pm Abstract Criminal behavior has been talked about in many different ways, and there are many different theories on why it caused. I am going to talk about the social bond theory and the general strain theory. These two theories really focus on environment and surroundings of the individual. I will look at research articles for each of the theories and also talk about a person who engaged in criminal behavior and what I think caused their criminal behavior based on general strain theory and social bond theory. General Strain Theory “Strain theories state that certain strains or stressors increase the likelihood of crime.
Running Head: UNDERSTAND CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR Criminologist Attempt to Understand Criminal Behavior by Constructing Theories of Crime In an attempt to curve crime rates and to fully understand the criminal mind; criminologist must construct theories that will enable us to implement effective policies to negate criminal behavior. I. Introduction A. Definition of Criminology B. Deviance vs. Crime C. Purpose of Theories II. Social Process Theories A.
These theories are best illustrated through the application of notorious criminals and their deviant acts. When studied individually, the obvious “cause” of crime can be significantly different from the reason the offender had in mind when breaking the law, and the theories of crime causation begin to decipher these reasons. Crime causation involves several different factors; the influences on an individual during early childhood: experiences like poor parenting, the attempt (conscious and subconscious) to imitate an individual’s peer, the individual’s immersion in poverty, having poor opportunities, living in a community with high crime, the values and lifestyles of promenade members of the community which is admired by the individual, and lastly, an individual’s genetic and biological influences (Frank Schmalleger, 2009, p. 121). Of all the excessive crimes which occurred in the twentieth century, one of the most memorable crimes in the north eastern region of the United States is the case of Richard Kuklinski, as known as, the “Iceman”. According to Crime USA (2008) “Richard Kuklinski was one of the most self confessed contract killers in American History” (Richard “The Iceman” Kuklinski, para 1).
Introductory Criminology Assignment Semester 1 2009/2010 Rhian Williams ‘Our crime problem is socially constructed’ Discuss This essay will look at different theories with regards to crime being socially constructed. It will discuss what makes a crime and how it is different from deviance. Theories such as Howard Becker’s labelling theory and Robert Merton’s adaption of Emile Durkheim’s anomie theory will be discussed to show that society plays a major role in constructing crime. It will also briefly discuss examples of acts that used to be criminal and illegal but now are widely accepted within society as part of socialization. Crime is defined as “an act prohibited and punished by law” (Collins, 2006) but there has been much debate about what ‘crime’ is.